Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food service but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nicholas Di Paolo, Owner of Culinary Specialists of Sedona DBA Chef Nicholas Di Paolo, located in Cottonwood, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a personal chef, caterer. My clients are visitors to Sedona, AZ, who are looking for a gourmet meal served to them at their beautiful vacation rental, with stunning views no restaurant can offer. I do a lot of backyard weddings, bachelorette parties & family gatherings, with the occasional team-building golf outing.
Tell us about yourself
I read an article in USA Today that talked about how Sedona is the hidden gem of the southwest and how the vacation rental market is thriving. After checking online, I found a few average caterers, but nobody offered any true gourmet options. Since that is my background, I decided to build a website and see if there was a market for caterers who weren't either a "cheap option" or fake fine dining. Within a few months, I discovered there is a demand, and so far, I've been able to meet it.
After 30 years in the industry working in everything from corporate cookie cutter restaurants to fine dining, I use every skill I've learned along the way. This in itself motivates me because now it's all for myself. I don't have to rely on someone else's "good graces" to be paid what they think I'm worth or have to haggle and play power games to get a buck more than yesterday. This makes me eager to keep learning more while making sure I am doing the most I can to provide awesome value at the same time. I am as expensive as our finest restaurants, so I have to match or beat their quality. This is the biggest motivator of all. With the convenience and intimacy of their beautiful dining room and its gorgeous view, the food has to be spot on. No restaurant can match my setting, so it's up to me to make sure they can't match the food.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My business is fairly new, still just three years old this summer. I have grown each year, expanded to a much larger menu of options, and now I'm focusing on full catering services. Right now, I offer services only, but I am also starting to book larger backyard weddings, so I need to be a full catering business if I want to stay successful.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Finding staff. I've worked with very knowledgeable people, but nobody seems to have staying power. I've been looking for a "Front of House" counterpart to me but have yet to find one. Everyone I've worked with has had the same offer, but nobody wants to take the leap and work for themselves.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get ready to work harder than you have for any boss, so build your stamina.
- You'll want to make sure you've done your homework, so you're ready for curveballs. Things are going to pop up out of your control, so try to have backups for every vendor or supplier you deal with, transportation, everything!
- Don't be afraid. If you know what you're doing and got the first two things pretty well understood, you're off to a much better start than most. You'll see the rewards of a good work ethic pay off and the genuine trust that confidence instills in clients because you did your due diligence.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Good luck!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://chefnicholasdipaolo.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chefnicholasdipaolo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefnick86336/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefnicholasdipaolo/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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